'Spamalot' packs lots of laughs in Laxson

Chico >> "Monty Python's Spamalot," the musical comedy sensation lovingly ripped off from the 1975 film classic, "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" is coming to Chico State University's Laxson Auditorium April 30 through May 4.

It is the end-of-the-year spring musical and the largest theatre production of the school year.

Director Joel P. Rogers also choreographs the show along with Sheree Henning. A man of many talents, Rogers is also music director. Conductor of the large, live orchestra is Brian Heimlick. Costuming is by Chico State costumer Sandra Barton, with some outside help because it is a huge show.

"Spamalot" premiered on Broadway in 2005, winning three Tony Awards including Best Musical of the season. Now, it makes its local area premiere and is one not to be missed.

The renowned musical takes its title, "Spamalot," from one of the lines in the show.

When asked what they eat, some characters answer, "We eat ham, and jam and Spam, a lot."

The "Spamalot" plot takes place in medieval England. A historian (Murphy Mayer) gives brief overviews from time to time. Hopefully, meant to glean some clarity to the action.

Misunderstandings take place in the beginning when a Scandinavian village with Finnish singers think the historian was talking about Finland, not England.

The scene shifts to a dreary, dark village where King Arthur (Xander Ritchey) and his faithful servant, Patsy (Philomena Block), are seen scouting the area. They have been trying to recruit Knights of the Round Table to join him in Camelot.

Sir Robin (Hugo Fowler), a collector of plague victims, meets Sir Lancelot (Owen Hansen). They agree to become Round Table knights, Lancelot for the fighting and Robin for the singing and dancing.

Arthur tries to convince a peasant, Dennis Galahad (Michael Bramila), that he is king of England because the Lady of the Lake (Ashley Garlick) gave him the sword Excalibur making him the only man fit to rule the land.

The Lady of the Lake and her Laker Girls appear to turn Dennis into a knight and make him Sir Galahad. Another knight, Sir Bedevere (Steve Sprague), joins them and they make up the Knights of the Round Table.

The five knights gather in Camelot, and the musical follows a story of confusion.

"'Spamalot' is sort of keystone cops," Rogers said. "There's a lot of running, hollering and screaming. It's nutty and very farcical in its approach. It's one ridiculous thing after another.

"Live theatre is something people look forward to, and we put a lot of work and effort into it. It's always nice when we have folks show up to see it."

The "Spamalot" 21-member cast helps the audience not take the play seriously. Due to some sexual humor, coarse language and mild violence, it is not recommended for children younger than 12.

Advance tickets are $20 premium, $16 general, $14 senior citizens, $10 student/children and available at the University Box Office, corner of Third and Chestnut streets.